Daniel Tuan Anh Hoang

INSEAD

“Head in the clouds, feet on the ground.”

Hometown: Ha Tinh, Vietnam

Fun Fact About Yourself: Cooking is my love language

Undergraduate School and Major: Vietnam National University, International Business and Economics

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Unilever, Global HR Manager – Talent Management

INSEAD is one of the most culturally and professionally diverse MBA programs in the world. How do you see these global perspectives enhancing the value of your business education over the next year? Having worked in several global organizations, I’ve had the opportunity to witness how diverse teams can leverage their differences to generate creative solutions. However, effective leadership is essential to foster an environment in which individuals from various backgrounds can freely express their ideas and collaborate seamlessly. In the upcoming year at INSEAD, within an even more diverse environment, I am eager to further enhance my ability to cultivate diversity for innovation – a crucial skill to becoming a global leader in a world of increasingly complex challenges.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of INSEAD’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? First, the integration of sustainability within INSEAD’s curriculum resonates with my values. I firmly believe that businesses should actively participate in addressing the social and environmental challenges we are facing.

Second, the one-year program duration appealed to me, as it minimizes the opportunity cost of leaving the workforce and allows me to rejoin it swiftly.

Last, the wide range of INSEAD alumni activities assures me that learning extends beyond the program’s duration. I am investing not only for the one year at INSEAD but also for a lifetime ‘membership’ in a network of highly accomplished individuals.

What has been your first impression of the INSEAD MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far. Tell us your best INSEAD story so far.

“INSEAD was the best year of my life!”

“I’m so jealous that you’re going to INSEAD. I wish I could do it all over again.”

Whenever I’ve spoken to INSEAD alumni, I’ve heard either of these sentiments when they talk about their time at the school. It’s got me all very excited to embark on this upcoming year and uncover what it is about INSEAD that makes it so special for everyone.

One of the best INSEAD stories I’ve come across so far is about an alumnus I worked with during my pre-MBA internship. After INSEAD, he took a bold leap from being a management consultant in London to becoming a shrimp farmer in Vietnam. While Vietnam is a major shrimp exporter, there are still many opportunities to improve efficiency, profitability, and sustainability. He’s currently in the process of launching a startup in this field, and I’m truly inspired by his entrepreneurial drive, which I believe was nurtured by his experience at INSEAD.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at INSEAD? I am excited about the courses INSEAD offers on Social Entrepreneurship, Strategy and Investing for Impact, and Business Sustainability Thinking. I feel that they truly reflect the school’s belief in the role of business as a force to improve people’s lives. Through these courses, I can draw on my experience working at Unilever, being a corporate sustainability leader and founder of Seed Planter, a not-for-profit organisation supporting social entrepreneurs, I look forward to deepening my knowledge in these areas and connecting with other future leaders who aspire to grow businesses for good.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: During my seven-year tenure at Unilever, spanning Vietnam, Singapore, and the UK, I had the opportunity to lead several global initiatives in talent management and organizational transformation. In my latest role, I developed strategies to ensure efficient talent allocation, establish robust leadership pipelines, and promote diverse senior representation, contributing to sustainable growth for a €52 billion business. Particularly noteworthy is my pioneering of an AI project aimed at eliminating bias and enhancing diversity in talent decisions.

It’s also important for me to volunteer and engage in social projects. Apart from my full-time job, I co-founded Seed Planter, a not-for-profit organization empowering social entrepreneurs in Vietnam. Our programs accelerated more than 120 impact enterprises, reaching over 1 million people, thus raising awareness about the crucial role of social entrepreneurship.

What do you hope to do after graduation (at this point)? My long-term ambition is to become an influential business leader advocating for sustainability in Vietnam. I envision transforming profit-driven corporations and nurturing purpose-driven start-ups to drive the country towards a sustainable future. To achieve this goal, before returning to Vietnam, I want to continue building a successful global career with practical expertise in implementing people, organisation, and sustainability strategies to enable positive business impact.

What other MBA programs did you apply to?

London Business School

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into INSEAD’s MBA program? Here are two things that really helped my INSEAD application:

* Think deeply about how the MBA fits your purpose. Apply because you truly want it, not because others do. Take your time instead of rushing, as INSEAD’s application covers various aspects of your life and career, which requires proper introspection.

* Talk to a diverse group of INSEAD alumni. Engage recent graduates to understand their experiences, and also seek out individuals from earlier years for insights into long-term career impact. INSEAD alumni are exceptionally friendly and welcoming, so don’t be afraid to reach out!

DON’T MISS: MEET INSEAD’S MBA CLASS OF 2024